top of page
Meet the Team!
Christina Johnson
Founder / Director
Christina Johnson has been singing and dancing since early childhood. She was homeschooled from 6th-12th grade and was a part of Joyful Sound! homeschool choir where she participated in countless concerts and ministry outreaches to the Houston area and throughout the state. She participated in other choirs, including the Houston Children's Chorus, and TMEA All-State choir.
Christina trained in classical ballet through the Senior level of Sonshine Christian Ballet. She also learned lyrical, jazz, hip hop, pas de deux, and modern dance styles. She was a member of the Gift of Dance Company, and main teacher/choreographer for the Jr. Company, as well as Shining Light, a dance group she started at age 17.
In college, she studied vocal performance at Hardin-Simmons University for 2 years and even danced in several university theater and choir performances. She also partnered with a local dance studio, starting a dance class for college students. In the summer of 2001, she was a cast member in the professional show TEXAS the Musical Drama, in Palo Duro Canyon, in the chorus, dance core, and understudy to a solo character.
After marrying the man of her dreams, Christina transferred to and graduated from Texas Tech University as a certified EC-4 teacher.
In recent years Christina has been raising and homeschooling her 5 precious children. She has also sung in worship at church regularly, and taught private voice and dance from her home and through local Co-ops. For three years, she choreographed and assisted in the vocal instruction for Limelight Productions in Rockwall, before moving to starting SonShine Performing Arts Academy in 2018.
Christina is excited to share with the next generation her passion for glorifying God through the arts. She desires for this academy to provide a spring board for students to refine their skills and use them for the glory of God.
Christina Johnson has been singing and dancing since early childhood. She was homeschooled from 6th-12th grade and was a part of Joyful Sound! homeschool choir where she participated in countless concerts and ministry outreaches to the Houston area and throughout the state. She participated in other choirs, including the Houston Children's Chorus, and TMEA All-State choir.
Christina trained in classical ballet through the Senior level of Sonshine Christian Ballet. She also learned lyrical, jazz, hip hop, pas de deux, and modern dance styles. She was a member of the Gift of Dance Company, and main teacher/choreographer for the Jr. Company, as well as Shining Light, a dance group she started at age 17.
In college, she studied vocal performance at Hardin-Simmons University for 2 years and even danced in several university theater and choir performances. She also partnered with a local dance studio, starting a dance class for college students. In the summer of 2001, she was a cast member in the professional show TEXAS the Musical Drama, in Palo Duro Canyon, in the chorus, dance core, and understudy to a solo character.
After marrying the man of her dreams, Christina transferred to and graduated from Texas Tech University as a certified EC-4 teacher.
In recent years Christina has been raising and homeschooling her 5 precious children. She has also sung in worship at church regularly, and taught private voice and dance from her home and through local Co-ops. For three years, she choreographed and assisted in the vocal instruction for Limelight Productions in Rockwall, before moving to starting SonShine Performing Arts Academy in 2018.
Christina is excited to share with the next generation her passion for glorifying God through the arts. She desires for this academy to provide a spring board for students to refine their skills and use them for the glory of God.
Leslie Anderson
Dance Instructor
Leslie Anderson is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where she received her Bachelor's in Political Science, minor in Dance, and certificate of Personal Training. In college she was a member of the dance team and Orchesis Dance Company. While in college, she began teaching dance for children and adults and had the opportunity to choreograph high school musicals.
Leslie taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop in Iowa for over 10 years. She instructed and choreographed for several studio competition groups. She also taught fitness classes and reformer Pilates at a corporate fitness center. She is thankful for her Pilates and kinesiology training that she implements in her classes to help her students move safely.
Since moving to Texas, Leslie has volunteered at a gospel-centered ministry she absolutely loves, For the Nations Refugee Outreach. She has the joy and honor of teaching ballet and jazz to school-aged children there. Leslie strives to honor God in all she does, including being a wife and a homeschool mom of four. She is excited for the opportunity to point her Sonshine students to Christ through movement and song.
Leslie Anderson is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where she received her Bachelor's in Political Science, minor in Dance, and certificate of Personal Training. In college she was a member of the dance team and Orchesis Dance Company. While in college, she began teaching dance for children and adults and had the opportunity to choreograph high school musicals.
Leslie taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop in Iowa for over 10 years. She instructed and choreographed for several studio competition groups. She also taught fitness classes and reformer Pilates at a corporate fitness center. She is thankful for her Pilates and kinesiology training that she implements in her classes to help her students move safely.
Since moving to Texas, Leslie has volunteered at a gospel-centered ministry she absolutely loves, For the Nations Refugee Outreach. She has the joy and honor of teaching ballet and jazz to school-aged children there. Leslie strives to honor God in all she does, including being a wife and a homeschool mom of four. She is excited for the opportunity to point her Sonshine students to Christ through movement and song.
Harmoni Pliego
Dance/Theater Instructor
Harmoni Pliego has loved as many forms of the performing and fine arts as she was able to participate in from a very young age, and more importantly, has had a desire to use them to share the beauty and joy of the Original Artist, whose very words initiated a universe of diverse creative expression that sings His praise with every moment of its existence! She also has a passion to see children recognize and explore their creative gifts and learn to use them to serve their Creator and bless others.
Before starting a family with her husband and beginning to homeschool her four incredible children, she worked for over 10 years with Arts With A Mission, an organization that uses training and performing arts to serve communities, host youth arts camps & workshops, and present multi-media theatrical productions that travel the country and internationally bringing messages of hope and redemption through various forms of the arts. She also helped run their School of Performing Arts, and headed up the team that pioneered the opening of that same school in the Caribbean with students from Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. One of her greatest joys is being able to play a part in helping to identify and encourage the gifts and talents in young people, and provide training to help them explore and excel in those areas.
Harmoni also trained in ballet, pointe, hip hop, tap, and modern dance and received an Associate Certificate to teach through the Arts With A Mission Dance Journeyman Program. She has taught various levels and styles of dance locally in Texas, and abroad (her favorite location being India)! She is extremely excited to not only teach here with Sonshine, but for her children to be able to be a part of the community here and have opportunities to discover and grow each of their unique passions.
Harmoni Pliego has loved as many forms of the performing and fine arts as she was able to participate in from a very young age, and more importantly, has had a desire to use them to share the beauty and joy of the Original Artist, whose very words initiated a universe of diverse creative expression that sings His praise with every moment of its existence! She also has a passion to see children recognize and explore their creative gifts and learn to use them to serve their Creator and bless others.
Before starting a family with her husband and beginning to homeschool her four incredible children, she worked for over 10 years with Arts With A Mission, an organization that uses training and performing arts to serve communities, host youth arts camps & workshops, and present multi-media theatrical productions that travel the country and internationally bringing messages of hope and redemption through various forms of the arts. She also helped run their School of Performing Arts, and headed up the team that pioneered the opening of that same school in the Caribbean with students from Barbados, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. One of her greatest joys is being able to play a part in helping to identify and encourage the gifts and talents in young people, and provide training to help them explore and excel in those areas.
Harmoni also trained in ballet, pointe, hip hop, tap, and modern dance and received an Associate Certificate to teach through the Arts With A Mission Dance Journeyman Program. She has taught various levels and styles of dance locally in Texas, and abroad (her favorite location being India)! She is extremely excited to not only teach here with Sonshine, but for her children to be able to be a part of the community here and have opportunities to discover and grow each of their unique passions.
Geoffrey Ashcraft
Guitar/Drums/Piano Instructor
Hi, I'm Geoffrey, I've been a full-time musician for over 18 years now. While touring the US, Canada, & UK, writing/recording/producing for various artists & bands, I’ve spent some of my down time teaching and mentoring students along the way. This has been something near and dear to my heart. When someone takes the time to pour into me, it makes a lasting impact, and I want to continue passing that onto others. I've also served at several churches and currently lead worship at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, TX.
Hi, I'm Geoffrey, I've been a full-time musician for over 18 years now. While touring the US, Canada, & UK, writing/recording/producing for various artists & bands, I’ve spent some of my down time teaching and mentoring students along the way. This has been something near and dear to my heart. When someone takes the time to pour into me, it makes a lasting impact, and I want to continue passing that onto others. I've also served at several churches and currently lead worship at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, TX.
Shani Lively
Theater Instructor
Shani Lively has been passionate about the dramatic arts for as long as she can remember. Having the opportunity to act in television commercials as a child gave her a love for production that has only continued to grow as she has watched her own children take their turns in the spotlight. As part of the homeschool community for over twenty years, she has had the opportunity to teach classes focused on theater appreciation and production. Through her Shakespeare classes, co-op productions, and drama outings, she has helped many students discover their own love for the dramatic arts. Shani is excited to begin this new adventure as part of the SonShine team!
Shani Lively has been passionate about the dramatic arts for as long as she can remember. Having the opportunity to act in television commercials as a child gave her a love for production that has only continued to grow as she has watched her own children take their turns in the spotlight. As part of the homeschool community for over twenty years, she has had the opportunity to teach classes focused on theater appreciation and production. Through her Shakespeare classes, co-op productions, and drama outings, she has helped many students discover their own love for the dramatic arts. Shani is excited to begin this new adventure as part of the SonShine team!
Anna Sanders
Dance Instructor
Anna was born and raised in Nacogdoches, TX and danced with Maryse Gobel Ballet for fifteen years. At the University of North Texas she was delighted to take time and perform with her Bible study dance group at Denton Bible Church in the college ministry. She met the love of her life at Frontier Camp, and after 5 years of marriage they moved back to east texas for Stuart to work there full time. When their oldest, Mallory, turned three Anna started a ballet class for the camp staff girls and the surrounding area. Years later in Houston, Anna ran a ballet camp for the girls at their church, and now she's thrilled to teach at SonShine! Stuart and Anna have four wonderful children, Mallory, Shane, Daphne, & Chloe and reside in McKinney. Her greatest passion is to glorify the Lord and use the gifts He has given her for worship.
Anna was born and raised in Nacogdoches, TX and danced with Maryse Gobel Ballet for fifteen years. At the University of North Texas she was delighted to take time and perform with her Bible study dance group at Denton Bible Church in the college ministry. She met the love of her life at Frontier Camp, and after 5 years of marriage they moved back to east texas for Stuart to work there full time. When their oldest, Mallory, turned three Anna started a ballet class for the camp staff girls and the surrounding area. Years later in Houston, Anna ran a ballet camp for the girls at their church, and now she's thrilled to teach at SonShine! Stuart and Anna have four wonderful children, Mallory, Shane, Daphne, & Chloe and reside in McKinney. Her greatest passion is to glorify the Lord and use the gifts He has given her for worship.
Staci Johnson
Piano/Band Instructor
My name is Stacie Johnson and I have been playing and loving the piano as long as I can remember. I loved learning, memorizing, and competing in contests in the Houston area where I grew up. When I was in high school, we moved to Illinois and after graduation, I was able to get in to the University of Illinois piano department, and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance. I began teaching during college and have taught since that time. I love teaching classical music, blues, and improvisation. I have also had the privilege of playing on worship teams in the various churches we’ve been in over the years. Making music for our great God is the highpoint of my musical experience. Family wise, I have been greatly blessed to have been married for 35 years to my amazing husband. We have 5 beautiful children, and 7 amazing grandchildren.
My name is Stacie Johnson and I have been playing and loving the piano as long as I can remember. I loved learning, memorizing, and competing in contests in the Houston area where I grew up. When I was in high school, we moved to Illinois and after graduation, I was able to get in to the University of Illinois piano department, and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance. I began teaching during college and have taught since that time. I love teaching classical music, blues, and improvisation. I have also had the privilege of playing on worship teams in the various churches we’ve been in over the years. Making music for our great God is the highpoint of my musical experience. Family wise, I have been greatly blessed to have been married for 35 years to my amazing husband. We have 5 beautiful children, and 7 amazing grandchildren.
Jennie Dys
Piano Instructor
Mrs. Dys’ expertise in piano and advanced theory helps students build confidence, refine technique, and develop a deeper love for music through personalized instruction and guidance. She will be great a benefit to her students with some prior lesson experience.
Mrs. Dys’ expertise in piano and advanced theory helps students build confidence, refine technique, and develop a deeper love for music through personalized instruction and guidance. She will be great a benefit to her students with some prior lesson experience.
Lucy Lively
Choir/Theater Instructor
Lucy has a lifelong love for the performing arts. She has taken music lessons since the age of 8 and recently earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She is passionate about theatre and grew up directing and acting in productions. As an alum of the academy, she is excited to teach the next generation of SonShine students.
Lucy has a lifelong love for the performing arts. She has taken music lessons since the age of 8 and recently earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She is passionate about theatre and grew up directing and acting in productions. As an alum of the academy, she is excited to teach the next generation of SonShine students.
Alexis Maldonado
Dance Instructor
Alexis Maldonado has many years of dance and performing experience. She loves all forms of dance, but has an extensive ballet background. Passionate about helping students gain strength and confidence in class, on stage, and most importantly in their walk with the Lord.
Alexis Maldonado has many years of dance and performing experience. She loves all forms of dance, but has an extensive ballet background. Passionate about helping students gain strength and confidence in class, on stage, and most importantly in their walk with the Lord.
Carly Addison
Strings Instructor
Carly Addison is a private music instructor and the music director for the Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony. With a distinguished career, she has previously served as an orchestra director at Wylie ISD, Irving High School, Austin Middle School, and Little Rock Central High School, where she has excelled in boosting both enrollment and retention. Under her leadership, students have consistently achieved top placements in TMEA All-Region Orchestras and earned sweepstakes awards at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation for ten consecutive years. Her students’ achievements have been celebrated nationally, including a feature on CBS news for their inclusive classroom efforts. Her orchestras have performed across the state and nation, most recently at the USS Midway in San Diego. Mrs Addison has also taught private students in violin, viola, piano and voice for the last 13 years, and has studied violin, piano and voice privately and professionally for nearly twenty years.
Mrs. Addison's commitment extends beyond her directorial role; she is deeply engaged in the music education community. She has presented clinics at TMEA, TODA, contributed to the TMEA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee, and shared her expertise in string education at district professional development sessions and for university students aspiring to be future music educators. Most notably, her innovative work in DEIA includes the creation of two 3D printed prosthetics, enabling students with limb differences to participate fully in their school orchestras, making a significant impact locally, nationally and internationally. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Addison cherishes time with her family and friends, and delights in adventures with her five-year-old daughter and 9 month old son. She is actively involved in her church and community, and gives God the full glory for all the blessings in her life.
Carly Addison is a private music instructor and the music director for the Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony. With a distinguished career, she has previously served as an orchestra director at Wylie ISD, Irving High School, Austin Middle School, and Little Rock Central High School, where she has excelled in boosting both enrollment and retention. Under her leadership, students have consistently achieved top placements in TMEA All-Region Orchestras and earned sweepstakes awards at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation for ten consecutive years. Her students’ achievements have been celebrated nationally, including a feature on CBS news for their inclusive classroom efforts. Her orchestras have performed across the state and nation, most recently at the USS Midway in San Diego. Mrs Addison has also taught private students in violin, viola, piano and voice for the last 13 years, and has studied violin, piano and voice privately and professionally for nearly twenty years.
Mrs. Addison's commitment extends beyond her directorial role; she is deeply engaged in the music education community. She has presented clinics at TMEA, TODA, contributed to the TMEA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee, and shared her expertise in string education at district professional development sessions and for university students aspiring to be future music educators. Most notably, her innovative work in DEIA includes the creation of two 3D printed prosthetics, enabling students with limb differences to participate fully in their school orchestras, making a significant impact locally, nationally and internationally. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Addison cherishes time with her family and friends, and delights in adventures with her five-year-old daughter and 9 month old son. She is actively involved in her church and community, and gives God the full glory for all the blessings in her life.
Erin Dutoit
Administrative Director
Erin has been a tremendous help to SonShine since it's inception, and we could not do what we do without her countless hours of work both in administration, and in coordination of events and class times. Erin is invaluable, bridging the gap between the instructor and parents every day.
Erin has been a tremendous help to SonShine since it's inception, and we could not do what we do without her countless hours of work both in administration, and in coordination of events and class times. Erin is invaluable, bridging the gap between the instructor and parents every day.
Brayden Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Brayden Johnson has been blessed immensely by the community of SonShine and the classes and bands when he was a student in High School. Now Brayden works as a resident at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in Lubbock, and is graduating from Texas Tech University with a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communications Management, and plans to attend seminary after graduation.
Mr. Johnson has been working unpaid for SonShine in various technical and managerial roles over the years, and now works officially part-time as SonShine's marketing manager, overseeing social media and website development alongside Mrs. Keathley.
Brayden Johnson has been blessed immensely by the community of SonShine and the classes and bands when he was a student in High School. Now Brayden works as a resident at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in Lubbock, and is graduating from Texas Tech University with a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communications Management, and plans to attend seminary after graduation.
Mr. Johnson has been working unpaid for SonShine in various technical and managerial roles over the years, and now works officially part-time as SonShine's marketing manager, overseeing social media and website development alongside Mrs. Keathley.
Rebekah Keathley
Marketing Manager
Bekah Keathley has been dancing throughout her whole childhood. She's done hip hop, modern, lyrical, show choir, and ballet. Bekah is the oldest of 7 kids and loves teaching and being with kids, she has always dreamed of becoming a dance teacher. Along with dance, Bekah was also a part of many theater productions through local acting groups as well as Sonshine and enjoyed participating in those from a young age. Bekah was a student at Sonshine Performing Art Academy since the beginning and loved it because the teachers and students were so loving and welcoming. Bekah's favorite part of Sonshine is the common goal to worship Christ, rather than just trying to be the best, the classes get to work together to do their best for the glory of God.
Bekah Keathley has been dancing throughout her whole childhood. She's done hip hop, modern, lyrical, show choir, and ballet. Bekah is the oldest of 7 kids and loves teaching and being with kids, she has always dreamed of becoming a dance teacher. Along with dance, Bekah was also a part of many theater productions through local acting groups as well as Sonshine and enjoyed participating in those from a young age. Bekah was a student at Sonshine Performing Art Academy since the beginning and loved it because the teachers and students were so loving and welcoming. Bekah's favorite part of Sonshine is the common goal to worship Christ, rather than just trying to be the best, the classes get to work together to do their best for the glory of God.
bottom of page